An insect that's already killed millions of trees in North America has been discovered in the heart of Williamsville. Village officials say the emerald ash borer was discovered in Glen Park in early March.
A Senior Forester with New York's Department of Environmental Conseration, Patrick Marren says, the bugs arrival is unfortunate, but not unexpected. Marren says, the DEC is urging residents to report signs of emerald ash borer activity.
"These signs may include canopy die back. Sprouting from the trunks and roots of ash trees. Cracks in the bark. "D" shaped exit holes made by the adult borer. Infested trees also may exhibit excessive signs of woodpecker damage, as the woodpeckers try to extract the larva from the trees," Marren said.
The destructive bug has been detected throughout Western New York. Homeowners who want to try to save their ash trees with insecticide are advised to contact an arborist.